Art and Crime

Graffiti while no doubt has negative effects on cities across the world. Undermining the aesthetics of given areas, it is by no argument not a form of vandalism, but it is also art. To truly discuss weather it is or is not art, a definition of what the word “art” means must be shared. I would like to propose art as an expression or application conveying a message through means of one of the many senses, most commonly visual or auditory. With use of this set definition there is also no argument that could be made stating the graffiti is not art, also strengthening this being how art is up to interpretation, meaning anything could be considered a work of art in the eyes of the beholder.

The issue of this debate is that yes, it is art. But also, yes, it is vandalism. I see no reason why it can not be considered as both due to both terms being of separate catagories. It’s almost as if you are saying an orange is a color or a fruit it can’t be both, both words vandalism and art describe different aspects of graffiti and they do it together. “If it wasn’t for the fact that most graffiti is placed on private property without the owner’s permission, then it might be more recognized as a legitimate form of art.” (Dolan). So the issue with graffiti as an art to many is that it is not permitted in most cases, and that if it was, then it could be considered as true art. But many statues are created and placed un-permitted and are still considered art by most so then what is the issue. Most examples of graffiti “is simply a monochrome collection of letters, known as a tag, with little artistic merit.” (Dolan). I believe that many see it as vandalism not due to it being un-permitted but rather that most examples are considered ugly by most. But as mentioned prior art is all interpretation and even a tag has meaning behind it if your search for it. How is that not art?

Shying away from tags, there are many forms and genres of graffiti. Some artists create complex murals, “larger pieces require planning and imagination and contain artistic elements like color and composition.” (Graffiti as Art). Some graffiti artists display the same level of talent as famous artists in their larger creations. When complexity is added it truly starts to show how much it is art, almost ending the debate. This is being realized by many as “Recognition by the art world and inclusion in galleries and auctions is one way that graffiti art is legitimized as “real” art.” (Graffiti as Art). Once you realize the thought that is put into some peices it is possible to look past the vandle routes of it and accept it as art. If it is fit for a gallery then how is it debated against?

To conclude, graffiti is a form of art, though it may not be for everyone. It houses the characteristics that many other forms of art possess as well. These characteristics include expression, imagination, color, shape, and many more. It follows the same process that any other art piece would follow during its creation. But most importantly it is from the mind of the artistic, making it true art.

“berlin graffiti mural” by duncan is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.